I need a VET opinion!! Its about surgery for my dog?

Question

Gucci is 5 years old and she injured her knee joint! She limps and we have had her looked at and they say surgery will lay her up for 5 weeks and it might be best to see how she does without it. Her foot is atrophying due to her not using it as much and I can't stand to see her limp anymore. What are the risks....How much is surgery and what should I do. They also said there is no guarentee she will be better and might be in pain after all is said and done. She is peppy...but knows she is injured and her quality of life is not 100%. Please dont say put her down because it is not an option. I can let her limp or get surgery...its her right back leg....Any advice would be appreciated. She loves to run around but when I let her...she acts like she is not injured and then later she limps worse and it makes me feel terrible. She is a terrior lab mix 35 lbs. Her sister is a chow and wants to play with her and she cant really play too much without suffering the consequences later.

I believe it is the Anterior cruciate ligament! I am going with the surgery for sure now..thank you for all your quick answers...so kind of all of you. I am in my second year of dental school getting my DMD and this weighs on me more that my board testing!! I dont care about the money I just want her better. I am in the Las Vegas area and if anyone knows the best surgeon for this..let me know...I heard California surgeons fly in twice a month for this...if you know anything...I would appreciate it...I am pressed for time an all aspects right now!! Thank You!!

Answer 1

I'm a vet tech. I've seen many dogs with knee problems. Usually its a cruciate ligament tear - does that sound right? There is surgery to repair it. At my hospital it costs around $2000. It is a 6-8 week recovery, but dogs are usually using their legs after 1-2 weeks. By the end of the 8 weeks, you have to hold them back. If it were my dog, I would do the surgery. Not doing surgery sentences your dog to an arthritic, painful leg. Worse case scenario, she stops using her leg at all and it atrophies to the point it actually needs to be amputated.
If your vet does not sound like he wants to or is capable of doing the surgery, find another who can. Best option would be an orthopedic specialist - usually found at the bigger hospitals.

Answer 2

I'm not a vet, but my dog has has the surgery - twice. If the ACL doesn't heal on it's own in a few weeks (which would have to be a very minor tear) and the dog still puts most of it's weight on the front of the foot, there's no other option for it but to let her limp or do the surgery.

It will lay your dog up for 5 weeks, and you won't be able to let her out of the house if it's wet because the cast can't be wet (I used a plastic bread bag and rubber bands to make a "sleeve" over the cast so mine could go out to use the "bathroom". But my dog was better for it (although expect some yelping when the cast comes off and your dog tries to do a little too much too soon once the cast isn't there for support).

I mentioned that my dog had the surgery twice - once on each hind leg - because the orthepedic veterinarian that performed the surgery said that dogs that have one ACL torn are prone to get the other one torn as well. He was correct - it only took my dog two years to tear the other. This is something else you need to think about - since she already has one leg injured, she's putting even more weight on the other, so she's more likely to injure that one now from the added stress.

I can't tell you what you should do - the surgery is expensive, and it will mean she'll be laid up and need some adjustments to her daily life for a while if you choose to get it done, but I thought you might like to hear from another owner that's been through this.


ADDITION: I just saw the added question about the cost. I don't have the figures in front of me, but I know that for xrays, surgery, medication, etc. the cost was about $1,500 (each), and the last surgery was around 3 years ago. I'm also in the US, but not in your immediate area. The first surgery required an overnight stay, the second she was released the same day (and spent the night in the basement throwing up from the anesthesia).

Answer 3

i work for a vet office and it's been my experience especially if it's an acl or mpl injury surgery is your best chance. she's in pain now and you know it's not going to get better. while no surgery is guaranteed it's a much better chance for a full recovery than not doing the surgery. my rott mix had mpl surgery done 3 years ago, and while every once in awhile she still limps and seems painful, a small dose of dog pain meds clears that up within a day or so. she runs, jumps and plays with the other dogs like a pup. if you find a vet that is well practiced in that type of surgery, and it's a very common surgery, and follow the aftercare advice to a T. the chance of her recovering and getting better are quite good. keeping her of good weight and watching and staying on top of problems will increase this chance. i say have the surgery, the average cost of an acl and aftercare in my area is around $700 at most. but it's money well spent and your dog should have another 8-10 years of a good life!

Answer 4

She's still a relatively young dog at age 5 and she could live another 10 years, so I agree that you need to do something about her knee injury.

She could have a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) which is a common injury in dogs. It will not heal by itself...the choices are giving her painkillers and medicine such as Glycoflex or Synovi MSM, or surgery. Surgery is very expensive -- several thousand dollars.

I would talk to her vet and see what your choices are. Would physical therapy be any help to her?

You say her foot is atrophying. In that case, you should talk to your vet about whether he advises amputating her leg. It would end her pain in that leg, and dogs get alomg very well with three legs, especially if it is a front leg that is removed.

However, many dogs who develop a ruptured ACL in one leg will eventually develop it in another.

I don't think putting her down is a choice at this time. She has good times left.

Answer 5

i dont have enough details (like exactly what is wrong - "injured her knee joint" isnt enough) to give you a good opinion.

however... if it were my dog, id have the surgery - she is only 5 years old.. lots of living to do yet.

she wont be any worse after the surgery..... the worst that can happen (providing theres no complications) is that the surgery doesnt do anything (unlikely). the best that can happen is that it improves significantly or completely fixed.

just keep her quiet after surgery and follow any vet directions regarding recovery to the T (such as exercising the joint).

if she doesnt have the surgery it could actually get worse particularly if she hurts it again.... atrophy is just the beginning. Im suprised the vet said "see how she does without it"... but then, i dont know the details.

since I dont know what actually is wrong I cant give you a cost esitmate.... besides im Australian, youre probably american and cost would be different....

get her the surgery - cost is the last thing you should be worrying about.
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Answer 6

You can find a board certified veterinary surgeon. There are two options for an anterior cruciate surgery (generally speaking). Either a TPLO or a lateral fabellar suture. Both can be very effective, but you'll want to talk to the surgeon to see which one they recommend. You can search for surgeon in Las Vegas area at the website below. Good luck!

Answer 7

Hi there, My Dog injured his back left knee ligament and we had surgery for him. He was 13 years old so it was a big decision as you can imagine. He is now 16 - coming up 17 years old and the surgery was very much worth it.

In a five year old dog I wouldn't even hesitate!
Hope this helps and the very best of luck.

Answer 8

ACL repair works. Bless your heart for getting it done. Most people just pts. It's a relatively standard surgery these days. Look for an experienced vet.

Shop around for price. Many times a vet will give you a discount if you explain your financial situation. Maybe a swap for some future wisdom teeth removed.

Good Luck!

Answer 9

Repairing the joint can be expensive, and it may not work. Complications can be expensive and cause more surgery.

Amputation is a lot less expensive, a "cure" for the problem, and the dog usually adapts completely in a few days.

Get a second opinion.

Answer 10

I'm the last to say put any animal down. Have you talked to your vet? He would have all the answers for you. I wish you the best. Bless you for caring so much. :-)